How Did Obama’s Christian Faith Influence His Same-Sex Announcement?

In an interview with ABC News which aired on May 9, 2012, President Barack Obama affirmed his support of same-sexÂ marriages. He went on to explain that he and his wife, Michelle, had discussed the issue for many years. President Obama acknowledged that his position would not be popular with many in the African American community, including African American clergy, but declared that he felt it was right for him to affirm what he believed.

Obama has openly affirmed his Christian faith and offered these comments on how his and Michelle’s faith played into their decision:

“We’re both– practicing Christians. And– and obviously– this position may be considered to put as at odds with– the views of– of others. But– you know, when we think about our faith, the– the thing– you know, at– at root that we think about is not only– Christ sacrificing himself on our behalf– but it’s also the golden rule, you know? Treat others the way you’d want to be treated. And– and I think that’s what we try to impart to our kids. And– that’s what motivates me as president. And– I figure the more consistent I can be– in being true– to– to those precepts– the better I’ll be as a dad and a husband, and– hopefully the better I’ll be as a president.”

What was your reaction to President Obama’s decision? What do you think of his rationale on how his faith influenced his decision?